First victory of the season gives Chargers confidence they can win

By Kyle Jorrey jorrey@theacorn.com

RENEWED SPIRIT-After a come-from-behind win last Friday over Moorpark, the Agoura Charger soccer team, including junior captain Michael Bakrevski above, feels positive about the team's chances to improve over the second half of league play.

Though it took them nearly a month to get their first taste of victory, that didn’t mean last Friday’s come-from-behind win over Moorpark was any less sweet for the members of the Agoura boys’ soccer team.

After starting out the season with a 0-7-4 record, the Chargers landed two goals in the match’s final minutes against the Musketeers by Ryan Biederman and Daniel Shulman to get that always-annoying first-win monkey off of their backs.

"That win meant a loss to us not only because it was our first win but because we came from behind and won in that fashion," junior Michael Bakrevski said. "We had been playing real well against real good teams and just couldn’t hold it out for 80 minutes. This time we did. . . . Today at practice everyone looked pretty relieved to get that first one."

No one was happier with the young team’s performance than fifth-year head coach Andrew Staiano.

"I haven’t been that emotional after a game since we lost in the playoffs (two years ago)," Staiano said. "Throughout all the tough times we had early in the season this team just kept coming out and working hard and they were deserved of a win. We had lost a lot of games we felt we should have won, so it was nice for them to know they could get a W."

Earlier in the season the Chargers had leads on league-leaders Thousand Oaks and Royal, but were defeated by last-minute letdowns. Staiano said the defeats were directly related to the youth and inexperience of his squad, which has only four returning lettermen and starts three freshmen—all in the midfield.

"I’ve seen a lot of our inexperience late in games," the coach said. "We’ll basically control the tempo for 70 minutes and then lose it in the final ten. A couple breakdowns and the game swings . . . soccer can be a very unforgiving game."

Bakrevski is confident that his teammates are working to correct the problem.

"Sometimes when we have the lead or are tied we just sit back and defend rather than just playing our game," the junior said. "We have to keep attacking and we have to have the heart to keep that lead and fight to the end—which is what happened at Moorpark."

Otherwise, the Chargers’ freshman class has performed beyond expectation. In fact, Staiano said Agoura’s newcomers have been one of this season’s brightest spots.

"Top to bottom, this is one of the best freshman classes I’ve ever seen since I’ve been here," said Staiano, who suits up seven for each varsity game. "They work as hard if not harder than some of the older guys in practice, and they have earned the time they are getting. Plus, having three of them start in the midfield means these guys are going to be together for three more years and really develop together. We’ll be building a team around those three."

Jake Bernstein, Ryan Daniels-Stock and Schulman have registered nearly half of the Chargers’ goals thus far this season.

Daniels-Stock, who has two goals on the season, said he and his fellow newcomers relish the opportunity to contribute to the team so early in their careers.

"We are starting to play a lot better together since the start of the season," Daniels-Stock said. "But we would like it if we could have a few more wins."

With so many freshmen playing in key positions, there’s always a chance for resentment. But Staiano said the older players appreciate the ability of the freshman.

"We are always honest with the guys, and we let them know coming into the season where they stand as far as playing time," he said. "They see how good these freshmen are and they understand their roles . . . frankly the freshmen are so good they’ve caused the rest of the team to step up their game and play harder."

Bakrevski agreed.

"The fact that they are playing such key roles really says a lot about the kind of players they are, all three are so talented," the midfielder said. "I don’t really see any jealously because the guys know they worked for their places and that’s how they got them."

Regardless of their below average record, the Chargers still maintain slight playoff hopes as they enter into the second half of the league season. Tomorrow they are at home against a Simi Valley team they tied 0-0 earlier. Incredibly, it is Agoura’s first home match of the year because of the rains that forced the Chargers to play on the road at the the weather-resistant fields in Westlake and Newbury Park.

Despite the constant relocating, Bakrevski said the Agoura fans have remained true throughout. The team is looking forward to playing in front of the home crowd tomorrow.

"All the way we’ve had fans come to our games, and it gives us confidence because we know we still have people that want to see us play," Bakrevski said. "Though we didn’t mind playing on the (artificial turf) fields, we’re still happy to be at home."

Staiano said the game will show whether or not the Chargers gained any real momentum from their win at Moorpark.

"It’s a big game for us because we need to keep things going if we want to get some wins in the second half of the season," Staiano said. "And I’m sure the guys are anxious to get revenge on some of the teams that beat us the first time around."

Playoffs or not, Staiano said he has been very impressed with the resolve of his team, a sign that bodes well for the future. The team’s collection of returning starters for next year is also good news.

"This team has incredible character and a lot of integrity—they just keep coming out and working to get better," Staiano said. "We are obviously very excited for the future, but for right now, I’m starting to see this team come together. We are very proud of the things they are doing and we know they are going to get their wins—we just need them to come sooner than later."